he had a real high-wire act last time in 2008 when he had to go against sarah palin. i think he came out of that debate looking like the statesman. i think ryan has to pass the commander in chief test. i'm not sure if when people look at paul ryan they see someone who could fill the chair in the oval office. >> robert costa, your headline, sir. bring it home. >> "biden with a smile survives, ryan for the most part shines." >> that's not what you submitted, but we'll take it. we're easy here. explain, please. >> i think, as you mentioned, vice president biden is a very experienced debater, but i think his challenge here is to have a little bit of energy, to have a smile, but to also survive against paul ryan, who though inexperienced on the national stage, is quite intelligent. i think we'll be bringing a lot of numbers, a lot of analysis to the debate. but biden has that populous touch. i think it will really help him. >> it really is going to be fascinating to watch on thursday and talk about as well. who do you think is going to win that thing, robert? >> i think it